California, Arizona Regulations Corrections
Recently two errors in the “Motorhome Regulations” chart published in the January 2013 issue (page 198) have come to our attention:
- The maximum combined length for a motorhome and towed vehicle in California is 65 feet, not 75 feet as was listed in the chart.
- A Class D license is required to operate a motorhome in Arizona, regardless of weight. The other information listed pertains only to commercial vehicles.
FMC regrets these errors.
Towing Correction
The footnotes for the Ford Taurus in the “Towables For 2013” article (January 2013, page 46) are incorrect. For the all-wheel-drive and the front-wheel-drive Taurus 3.5 liter, the footnotes should be listed as 1 & 4, not 3 & 4.
A Note About Born Free
Dear Editor:
Regarding the February 2013 article about Born Free’s new direction in management under John N. Dodgen’s son, John C.T. Dodgen (“Born Free Motorcoach: A New Business Model,” page 58), I had the distinct pleasure to work with John C.T. during some of his time away from the RV industry. He is the real deal, and Born Free is in the best of hands.
Scott Coffin, S27989
Gas City, Indiana
Support The RV/MH Hall Of Fame
Dear Editor:
When my wife and I learned of the difficult financial situation of the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana, we were surprised and amazed. We had just visited this world-class museum, library, and hall of fame that is dedicated to the RV lifestyle and the industry leaders that make it all possible. The troubled, but improving, financial status of this impressive institution was not obvious during our visit. We spent two days touring the remarkable displays and researching our vintage motorhome in the facility’s expansive library. We got to know the staff and volunteers who have dedicated their lives to preserving the history of manufactured RVs dating back more than a century.
We wanted to do more than just have paid our entry fee and signed the visitor book. We contacted Al Hesselbart, the resident historian, and asked what the average RV enthusiast could do to help keep the doors open at this one-of-a-kind RV shrine. We learned that everyone can become a lifetime member of the RV/MH Hall of Fame and be remembered in the Hall of Honor. Your RV/MH Hall of Honor membership card gains you free admission to exhibits and all areas of the facility. With each membership you receive a membership card, lapel pin, and decal.
It turns out that it is very affordable to be a life member of the Hall of Fame, especially if you sign up for the couples membership. A single membership is $50; a couples membership is $75. Membership is tax-deductible. We bought a couples membership and we are encouraging all FMCA members to do the same. It is as easy as visiting their Web site, www.rvmhhalloffame.org. Or, call the Hall of Fame at (800) 378-8694 or (574) 293-2344. Also, any size tax-deductible donations are welcome.
If RVing is an important part of your life and you have the means, please consider our plea and join the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum’s Hall of Honor today.
Dennis & Cheryl Denoi, F341048
Madison, South Dakota
Individual Wheel Weights
Dear Editor:
Tommy Mathews, F384509, wrote to the “Tech Talk” column, asking about individual wheel weighing (“Weighing In,” January 2013, page 20). I have seen this request more than once.
I live in Montana, and I contacted my state department of transportation and asked about the portable scales. They were very helpful and I was able to set up an appointment to have my coach weighed. I weighed it with full fuel, water, and propane along with my wife and me; nothing else. This way I knew what I could put in the coach and where to put it.
Your state DOT probably won’t come to your home, but you could meet them someplace. If they are busy, it may take time, but it was worth the wait for us.
Cody L. Pollington, F372046
Great Falls, Montana
Patriot Guard Salutes Veteran FMCA Member
Dear Editor:
On November 30, 2012, we laid one of our own to rest. Dwight “Doc” Hutcheson, F105046, was buried at the Florida National Cemetery. He had served his country well as an airborne medic in Vietnam for three tours, and again in Desert Storm. He joined the Dade County, Florida, Fire Department and spent 24 years as a paramedic in their rescue service.
Doc was a national director of the Pacemakers chapter, which took him to many area rallies and FMCA international conventions. He also served as a first responder at Southeast Area rallies for several years with his wife, Carole, in security. He was my go-to person; if anything needed to be done, he would get it done.
His funeral was as grand as any I have attended. We were escorted to the Florida National Cemetery by the Patriot Guard, a group of motorcycle riders from the north-central Florida area. There were about 35 to 40 motorcycles with flags unfurled. These were the U.S. flag, the Patriot Guard flag, and the MIA-POW flags, all flowing in the wind. It was a sight that I had not experienced before, as I was driving the first car right behind the motorcycles. These men and women come out to escort fallen police officers, firefighters, veterans, or active-duty service persons at their own expense to ensure they reach their final resting places without interference. They give up almost an entire day to pay tribute to someone they did not know but who is highly respected. They generally range in age from 45 to 75. Most are veterans; some are disabled; all are there to honor those who risk their lives for America’s freedom and security.
The next time you see a group of motorcyclists with the U.S. flag and Patriot Guard flag, with a line of cars following with their headlights on, stop, get out of your vehicle, and pay your respects to these God-fearing, flag waving, wonderful people who give of themselves and ask nothing in return.
For further information about the Patriot Guard, go to their Web site, www.patriotguard.org.
Donald J. Alexander, F294031
High Springs, Florida
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